As the founder of Howard Meyer’s Acting Program and the founding Artistic Director of Axial Theatre, Howard has built a legacy in the arts that spans over two decades. His plays, such as Senescence, Paint Made Flesh, and Radiance, have earned critical acclaim and recognition at prestigious platforms like the O’Neill National Playwrights Conference. Yet, behind his professional success lies a deeply personal story of struggle, healing, and triumph over mental illness—a story that inspires and offers hope to anyone facing similar challenges.

His latest book, Raising the Ground, Lowering the Sky reflects on how one can succeed in life despite living with a mental health disorder.

A Childhood Shaped by Chaos

Howard Meyer’s early life was marked by turmoil. His father, diagnosed with Bi-Polar I disorder, brought unpredictability and often violence into their home. Howard recalls the fear and confusion of living with a parent whose moods could shift dramatically, from playful and joyful to terrifying and aggressive. In his memoir, Raising the Ground Lowering the Sky, Howard describes the emotional toll of growing up in such an environment:

“His anger was never instant. He would brood, obsess, sometimes for hours, and then suddenly transform from the joyful, fun, playful father into something quite terrifying. I always braced, assuming a defensive posture, after I finally plucked up enough courage to respond to his odd or rude behavior. Sometimes he would laugh my response off. Other times, quicksilver, he would strike, sharp, hard, to a body part that was exposed. But never to my face. In that way, this event at the ballfield was entirely unprecedented.”

For years, he silently battled his own mental health struggles, grappling with the weight of his father’s illness and the emotional scars it left behind.

Despite the challenges he faced, Howard refused to let his circumstances define his future. With the help of medical professionals, therapists, and spiritual teachers, he embarked on a journey of healing and self-discovery. Therapy became a safe space for Howard to unpack the trauma of his childhood and develop coping mechanisms for his depression. He also found solace in spirituality, which helped him cultivate a sense of inner peace and purpose.

As the founder of Howard Meyer’s Acting Program and Axial Theatre, Howard has dedicated his career to nurturing creativity and self-expression. His programs have helped countless individuals find their voice and build confidence, proving that art can be a powerful tool for healing and transformation.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness, Howard’s story offers hope and encouragement. Healing is possible, and success is within reach—no matter how daunting the journey may seem Grab your copy of Raising the Ground Lowering the Sky today and discover the inspiring lessons of Howard Meyer’s remarkable life.